Murals and street art in Scotland: Do you need planning permission?

Murals have become an increasingly common feature and popular attraction in the UK in recent years with mural trails appearing across the country. 

Many major cities including Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Bristol have street art trails showcasing artwork in the city centre but there are also rural examples in places such as Invergordon in the Highlands and Lowestoft, Suffolk. Murals can shine a spotlight on a location’s public art offering, as well as adding character to public spaces, but they can also raise a number of consenting issues. This blog highlights some of the key considerations prior to installation.

When might planning permission or other consents be required?

There is no standalone legislation dealing specifically with murals in Scotland. However, that does not mean that no consents are required.

Murals or similar street art will generally will not require planning permission if they are purely artistic in nature. Although if a mural is to be installed on or would otherwise affect a listed building or building within a conservation area, listed building consent (LBC) and/or planning permission may be required if there is a potential effect on the building’s character or the character of a conservation area respectively. Early engagement with the relevant planning authority is likely to be helpful in determining the consenting requirements in individual circumstances.

Are there advertising concerns?

A separate issue might arise, however, where the mural has a commercial or promotional element. Under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (Scotland) Regulations 1984, ”advertisement” is broadly defined to include (but is not limited to) words, signs and notices that are used wholly or partly for the purposes of advertisement. The 1984 Regulations are not restricted to adverts with a commercial purpose and also require to be applied in accordance with the interests of amenity and public safety by the relevant planning authority. It follows that a wide range of murals with a promotional element have the potential to require advertisement consent.

There has also been recent discussion around whether temporary murals benefit from permitted development rights. One particular instance arose in relation to a mural depicting the film ‘Calfornia Schemin’ released in April 2026, which appeared on the gable wall of the Glasgow Collective in East Campbell Street . Its installation sparked discussion regarding a ‘planning loophole.’ whereby promoters may seek to rely on PD rights for the temporary use of land for not more than 28 days without the need for planning permission whilst also bypassing applying for advertisement consent. In the absence of any tightening of either the General Permitted Development Order or the 1984 Regulations, this remains a grey area that is capable of being exploited.

Key takeaways

If you are considering installing a mural or other street art, the following considerations should be borne in mind:

• Early engagement with the relevant planning authority is likely to help clarify what, if any, planning consents may be required.
• A mural on a listed building, or in a conservation area, is more than likely to require listed building consent and/or planning permission.
• Advertising consent will likely be required if the mural has any promotional element (regardless of whether this if for a commercial purpose or otherwise). 

How can we help?

If you are seeking advice on the planning implications of a proposed mural in Scotland, please get in touch with the Brodies planning team at planning@brodies.co.uk or contact Victoria Lane.